Step or rung



Nov. 7, 1939. v

c. F. KEUTHAN STEP 0R RUNG Filed (not. 4, 1958 INVENTO --.,JIIIIIIIIIIMWIMIIwwwilwlwlwwlwwlwlw l J ATTO R N EYS Paten-ted Nov. 7, 1939 airain STEP @lit RUN@ Charles F. Keuthan, Middletown, @his Application @ctober el, 1938, Serial No. 233,312

2' Claims.` (CL 22S-54:6)

larly to the type of step or rung commonly used in manholes, pools and on stacksV and the like.

5 Heretofore steps constructed for use in manholes and the like `were of two distinct types, for instance those constructed of certain wrought or rolled metals and those from castings. Those constructed of wrought or rolledmetals While having the desired strength Awere lacking in resistance to the deteriorating effect of lcertain corrosive and destructive elements ever present in manholes and the like.` Those constructed r from castings, While having the desired `resistance to the corrosive and destructive elements in the manholes, were highly unsatisfactory for the reason that they were weak in transverse and shearing strength. Therefore, the use of either type of step has always presented a hazard to Workmen using them for the reason that if they were not frequently replaced breakage would occur which often resulted in not only serious injury but often in death.

It is therefore oneof the principal objects of my invention to provide a step especially adaptable for use in manholes, sewers and the like so constructed as to resist the corrosive effects of the elements present in the manholes, and at the same time maximize the strength of said step.

An important object of my invention is to provide a step or rung of the character described which is simple in construction,` durable in use, and economical in manufacture.

Another object of my invention is to provide a simple and efficient method of forming steps or rungs ofthe above described character.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description, appended claims and annexed drawing. i i

Referring to the drawing wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views:

Figure l is a bottom plan view partly in section of my invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof.

Figure 3 is a detail sectional view taken on the line t-B of Figure 1.

Figure Ll is a horizontal sectional view partly in section of a modified form of my invention.

Figure 5 is a detail fragmentary side elevation of a modified form oftread.

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line i-ii of Figure 5.

My novel step or rung b, in the preferred ern bodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive,

is of a substantially U-shaped configuration in plan and fashioned with a horizontally disposed tread section fa formed with right angular disposed spaced parallel extending supporting seotions: l which terminate at their outer ends in downwardly extending right angular disposed end sections il adapted for engagement with the face of a manhole or the like and coact with the latter to maintain the tread section b in a hori- `zontally extending plane, it being understood that any desired number of the steps may be attached to the wall of the manhole, one alcove the other to provide means for descending and ascending to within and without said manhole.

The tread and supporting sections E5 and l respectively are of an integral construction and formed with inner and outer portions 9 Aand ill respectively, the inner portion constituting a core member extending centrally through the outer section and fashioned with ends ii projecting an appreciable distance beyond the ends of the sections `3 and in axial alignment with said sections for embedding Within the wall of the manhole, and is also capable of being utilized during the manufacture of the invention in a manner to assist in the casting of the outer portion about said inner portion. 'lhey core member is of a solid construction formed of wrought or rolled metal while the outer portion iii comprises a ferrous casting.

From the foregoing it. will be apparent that by utilizing` a wrought or rolled metal core covered by a ferrous casting, I provide means for resisting the deteriorating effects vof the corrosive elements within manholes and at the same time maximize the strength of the device, it being understood that the outer portion serves to protect the inner portion or core from the eects of the corrosive elements.

As illustrated in Figure a of the drawing a modified form of my invention comprises a core member i5 in the form of a tube which, while lending desired strength to the outer portion or ferrous casting i6, serves to lighten the weight of the step or rung to facilitate transporting of the same and to effect an economy in the manu facture thereof.

In the modined form illustrated in Figures 5 and of the drawing, the tread section 2d is provided with a serrated outer face iii to preclude slipping therefrom by workmen when descending and ascending the manhole or the like.

The method of formingsmy, improved step consists of fashioning a length of rolled or wrought metal to form a tread section provided at the ends thereof With right angular disposed supporting sections and of casting about said length of Wrought or rolled metal an outer portion of ferrous metal and of providing the ends of the latter with right angular disposed Wall engaging sections.

What I claim is:

1. A step formed with inner and outer portions, said outer portion v.sheathing said inner portion and constructed of a corrosion resistant material constituting a protection for said inner portion against corrosive elements present in manholes and the like, said outer portion fashioned with angularly disposed end sections adapted to engage the Wall of a manhole and coact with said wall to maintain said step in Xed condition relative to said Wall.

2. A step formed with inner and outer portions, said outer portion sheathing said inner portion and constructed of a corrosion resistant material constituting a protection for said inner portion against corrosive elements present in manholes and the like, said inner portion having anchoring end sections adapted to extend Within the Wall of a manhole for anchoring said step to said wall, said outer portion fashioned with angularly disposed end sections relative to said anchoring end sections of said inner portion and adapted to engage the outer face of said Wall and coact with the latter in maintaining said step in xed condition relative to the Wall.

CHARLES F. KEUTHAN. 

